System and method for offline configuring of a gaming accessory

ABSTRACT

A device for online gaming includes a gaming accessory provisioned with a configuration that includes a group of settings of operating parameters for the gaming accessory. The group of settings corresponds to selections from first equipment of a user via an accessory management application. Upon initiation of a gaming session, the gaming accessory is in communication with second equipment of the user. The gaming accessory is not in communication with the first equipment of the user and is not in communication with the second equipment of the user prior to the initiation of the gaming session. The accessory management application can be a client application of a server remote from the first equipment of the user and the second equipment of the user. The group of settings can be received from the first equipment of the user via a graphical user interface presented by the accessory management application.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/687,989, filed Apr. 16, 2015, whichclaims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/982,081, filed on Apr. 21, 2014, which are hereby incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a system and method formanaging use of an accessory. More specifically, the present disclosurerelates to a system and method for configuring an accessory.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is common today for gamers to utilize more than one gaming accessory.This is especially true of gamers who play on-line games or competitivegames in a team or individual configuration. Gamers can have at theirdisposal accessories such as a keyboard, a general purpose gaming pad, amouse, a gaming console controller, a headset to communicate with otherplayers, a joystick, a computer console, or other common gamingaccessories.

A gamer can frequently use a combination of these accessories in asingle game (e.g., headset, a keyboard, and mouse). Efficient managementand utilization of these accessories can frequently impact a gamer'sability to compete.

Accessory management can have utility in other disciplines which may notrelate to gaming applications. Efficient use of accessories in theseother disciplines can be important to other users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a Graphical User Interface(GUI) generated by an Accessory Management Software (AMS) applicationaccording to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2-3 depict illustrative embodiments for communicatively coupling agaming accessory to a computing device;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first method utilized inthe subject disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a second method utilized inthe subject disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a third method utilized inthe subject disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system operating at leastin part according to the methods of FIGS. 5-7;

FIG. 9 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication flowdiagram utilized by the system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system;

FIG. 11 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method operating in thecommunication system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment of a graphical user interface illustrativeof the method of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method for provisioningsettings and configurations to computing devices and/or peripheraldevices;

FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of a graphical user interface illustrativeof the method of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 depicts an illustrative embodiment of another communicationsystem;

FIGS. 16-17 schematically illustrate configuring a computing device foruse with a gaming application, according to an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for provisioning acomputing device as a gaming accessory, in accordance with an embodimentof the disclosure;

FIGS. 19-20 schematically illustrate configuring a computing device foruse with a gaming application, according to another embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method for provisioning acomputing device as a gaming accessory, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 22 depicts an illustrative diagrammatic representation of a machinein the form of a computer system within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment 100 of a Graphical UserInterface (GUI) generated by an Accessory Management Software (AMS)application according to the present disclosure. The AMS application canbe executed by a computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptopcomputer, a tablet, a server, a mainframe computer, a gaming console, agaming accessory, or any combination or portions thereof. The AMSapplication can also be executed by portable computing devices such as acellular phone, a personal digital assistant, or a media player. The AMSapplication can be executed by any device with suitable computing andcommunication resources.

In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, a gaming accessory cancommunicate with a computing device, and can itself be a computingdevice. In general, a gaming accessory can be understood as both acommunication device and a computing device. FIG. 2 illustrates a numberof embodiments for utilizing a gaming accessory (in this example, gamingcontroller 115) with a computing device 206 in the form of a gamingconsole. In the illustration of FIG. 2, the gaming controller 115 can becommunicatively coupled to the gaming console 206 with a tethered cableinterface 202 such as a USB or proprietary cable, or a wirelessinterface 204 such as WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or a proprietary wirelesscommunications protocol. The cable interface 202 provides a means forcommunication that may be less susceptible to electromagneticinterference. It will be appreciated that the gaming controller 115 mayfurther include a headset 114 (with or without a microphone not shown)utilized by a gamer to communicate with teammates and/or to listen togame sounds in high fidelity. In the illustration of FIG. 2, the AMSapplication can in whole or in part be executed by the gaming controller115, the gaming console 206, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 3 illustrates a number of other embodiments for utilizing a gamingaccessory with a computing device 206. In this embodiment, the gamingaccessory comprises a mouse 110 and the computing device 206 comprises adesktop computer with a processing unit 208 and a display device 209.The gaming accessory (in this example, mouse 110) can be tethered to thecomputing device 206 by a cable interface 202 (e.g., USB cable orproprietary cable) or a wireless interface 204. The cable interface 202provides a means for communication that may be less susceptible toelectromagnetic interference. It will be appreciated that the gamingaccessory may further include a headset 114 (with or without amicrophone not shown) utilized by a gamer to communicate with teammatesand/or to listen to game sounds in high fidelity. In the illustration ofFIG. 3, the AMS application can in whole or in part be executed by thegaming accessory, the computer, or a combination thereof.

For illustration purposes, the terms “gaming console” and “computer”will be used henceforth interchangeably to refer to computing device206. It is understood that computing device 206 can represent withoutlimitation a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a server, a tablet, amobile phone (e.g., cell phone), a smart phone, a short-range mobilityphone (e.g., a cordless or wired office or home phone), or a gamingsystem operatively coupled to a communication network for on-line orlocalized gaming. Accordingly, a computing device 206 can represent anydevice with suitable computing resources to perform the methodsdescribed in the subject disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 400.Communication device 400 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of devices described in the subject disclosure.The communication device 400 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 402 (herein transceiver 402), a user interface (UI) 404, apower supply 414, a proximity sensor 416, a motion sensor 418, anorientation sensor 420, a tracking device 422, and a controller 406 formanaging operations thereof. The transceiver 402 can support short-rangeor long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi,Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), or cellularcommunication technologies, just to mention a few. Cellular technologiescan include, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE,EV/DO, WiMAX, software defined radio (SDR), Long Term Evolution (LTE),as well as other next generation wireless communication technologies asthey arise. The transceiver 402 can also be adapted to supportcircuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 404 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 408coupled to a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, amouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of thecommunication device 400. The keypad 408 can be an integral part of ahousing assembly of the communication device 400 or an independentdevice operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for exampleBluetooth. The keypad 408 can represent a numeric keypad, and/or aQWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 404 can further include adisplay 410 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display),OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technologyfor conveying images to an end user of the communication device 400.

In an embodiment where the display 410 utilizes touch-sensitivetechnology, a portion or all of the keypad 408 can be presented by wayof the display 410 with navigation features. As a touch screen display,the communication device 400 can be adapted to present a user interfacewith graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 410 can beequipped with capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technologyto detect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements.

The UI 404 can also include an audio system 412 that utilizes commonaudio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heardonly in the proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such asspeakerphone for hands free operation, stereo or surround sound system).The audio system 412 can further include a microphone for receivingaudible signals of an end user. The audio system 412 can also be usedfor voice recognition applications. The UI 404 can further include animage sensor 413 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera forcapturing still or moving images and performing image recognitiontherefrom.

The power supply 414 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable or rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and charging system technologies for supplying energy tothe components of the communication device 400 to facilitate long-rangeor short-range portable applications. Alternatively, the charging systemcan utilize external power sources such as DC power supplied over aphysical interface such as a USB port or by way of a power cord attachedto a transformer that converts AC to DC power.

The proximity sensor 416 can utilize proximity sensing technology suchas a electromagnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor,an image sensor or combinations thereof. The motion sensor 418 canutilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope,or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect movement of thecommunication device 400 in three-dimensional space. The orientationsensor 420 can utilize orientation sensing technology such as amagnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device 400(North, South, West, East, combined orientations thereof in degrees,minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics). The tracking device 422can utilize laser sensing technology to track movement of thecommunication device 400 on a surface such as a mouse pad.

The communication device 400 can use the transceiver 402 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other wirelessaccess points by common sensing techniques such as utilizing a receivedsignal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or a signal time of arrival (TOA)or time of flight (TOF). The controller 406 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies.

The communication device 400 as described herein can operate with moreor fewer components described in FIG. 4 to accommodate theimplementation of devices described by the subject disclosure. Thesevariant embodiments are contemplated by the subject disclosure.

FIGS. 5-7 are flowcharts depicting methods 500-700 describingillustrative embodiments of the AMS application. Method 500 can beginwith step 502 in which the AMS application is invoked in a computingdevice. The computing device can be a remote server (not shown), thegaming console or computer 206 of FIGS. 2-3, or any other computingdevice with suitable computing resources. The invocation step can resultfrom a user selection of the AMS application from a menu or iconicsymbol presented by the computing device 206, or when a usercommunicatively couples a gaming controller 115 or other form ofaccessory device with the computing device 206. In step 504, the AMSapplication can detect by way of software drivers in an operating system(OS) of the computing device 206 a plurality of operationally distinctaccessories communicatively coupled to the computing device 206. Theaccessories can be coupled to the computing device 206 by a tetheredinterface (e.g., USB cable), a wireless interface (e.g., Bluetooth orWireless Fidelity—WiFi), or combinations thereof.

In the present context, an accessory can represent any type of devicewhich can be communicatively coupled to the computing device 206 (orwhich can be an integral part of the computing device) and which cancontrol aspects of the OS and/or a software application operating fromthe computing device 206. An accessory can represent for example akeyboard, a touch screen display, a gaming pad, a gaming controller, amouse, a joystick, a microphone, or a headset with a microphone—just tomention a few.

In step 506, the AMS application presents a GUI 101 such as depicted inFIG. 1 depicting operationally distinct accessories such as a keyboard108, a gaming controller 115, a joystick 116. The GUI 101 presents theaccessories 108-116 in a scrollable section 117. One or more accessoriescan be selected by a user with a mouse pointer. In this illustration,the keyboard 108 and the gaming controller 115 were selected forcustomization. Upon selecting the keyboard 108 and the gaming controller115 from the scrollable window of section 117, the AMS applicationpresents the keyboard 108 and the gaming controller 115 in split windows118, 120, respectively, to assist the user during the customizationprocess.

In step 508, the AMS application can be programmed to detect auser-selection of a particular software application such as a videogame. This step can be the result of the user entering in a Quick Searchfield 160 the name of a gaming application (e.g., World of Warcraft™ orWoW). Upon identifying a gaming application, the AMS application canretrieve in step 510 from a remote or local database gaming applicationactions which can be presented in a scrollable section 139 of the GUIrepresented as “Actions” 130. The actions can be tactical actions 132,communication actions 134, menu actions 136, and movement actions 138which can be used to invoke and manage features of the gamingapplication.

The actions presented descriptively in section 130 of the GUI canrepresent a sequence of accessory input functions which a user canstimulate by button depressions, navigation or speech. For example,depressing the left button on the mouse 110 can represent the tacticalaction “Reload”, while the simultaneous keyboard depressions “Ctrl A”can represent the tactical action “Melee Attack”. For ease of use, the“Actions” 130 section of the GUI is presented descriptively rather thanby a description of the input function(s) of a particular accessory.

Any one of the Actions 130 can be associated with one or more inputfunctions of the accessories being customized in windows 118 and 120 byway of a drag and drop action or other customization options. Forinstance, a user can select a “Melee Attack” by placing a mouse pointer133 over an iconic symbol associated with this action. Upon doing so,the symbol can be highlighted to indicate to the user that the icon isselectable. At this point, the user can select the icon by holding theleft mouse button and drag the symbol to any of the input functions(e.g., buttons) of the keyboard 108 or selectable options of the gamingcontroller 115 to make an association with an input function of one ofthese accessories. Actions of one accessory can also be associated withanother accessory that is of a different category. For example, keydepressions “Ctrl A” of the keyboard 108 can be associated with one ofthe buttons of the gaming controller 115 (e.g., the left button 119).

In one embodiment, a Melee Attack action can be associated by draggingthis action to either the left button 119 or right button 120 of thegaming controller 115. Thus, when the selected button is depressed, thestimulus signal that is generated by the selected button of the gamingcontroller 115 can be substituted by the AMS application with the MeleeAttack action. In another embodiment, the AMS application can beconfigured so that the Melee Action can be associated with a combinationof key button presses (e.g., simultaneous depression of the left andright buttons 119, 121, or a sequence of button depressions: two rapidleft button depressions followed by a right button depression).

In yet another embodiment, the AMS application can be configured so thatthe Melee Action can be associated with movement of the gamingcontroller 115 such as, for example, rapid movement or shaking of thegaming controller 115. In a further embodiment, the AMS application canbe adapted to make associations with two dimensional or threedimensional movements of the gaming controller 115 according to a gamingvenue state. For example, suppose the player's avatar enters a fighterjet. In this gaming venue state, moving the left navigation knob forwardcan be associated by the AMS application with controlling the throttleof the jet engines. Rapidly moving the gaming controller 115 downwardcan represent release of munitions such as a bomb.

In a gaming venue state where the gamer's avatar has entered a building,lifting of the gaming controller 115 above a first displacementthreshold can be associated with a rapid movement of the avatar up onefloor. A second displacement threshold can be associated with a rapidmovement of the avatar down one floor—the opposite of the firstdisplacement threshold. Alternatively, the second displacement thresholdcould be associated with a different action such as jumping betweenbuildings when the avatar is on the roof of a building.

The AMS application can monitor gaming venue states by analyzingcaptured images produced by the gaming application (e.g., one or morestill images of a tank, or a video of an avatar entering a tank), and/orby receiving messages from the gaming application by way of anapplication programming interface (API) thereby enabling the AMSapplication to identify the occurrence of a particular gaming venuestate.

At step 512 the AMS application can also respond to a user selection ofa profile. A profile can be a device profile or master profile invokedby selecting GUI button 156 or 158, each of which can identify theassociation of gaming actions with input functions of one or moreaccessories. If a profile selection is detected in step 512, the AMSapplication can retrieve in step 514 macro(s) and/or prior associationsdefined by the profile. The actions and/or macros defined in the profilecan also be presented in step 516 by the AMS application in the actionscolumn 130 of the GUI 101 to modify existing profile associations orcreate new associations.

In step 518, the AMS application can also respond to a user selection tocreate a macro. A macro in the present context can mean any actionablecommand which can be recorded by the AMS application. An actionablecommand can represent a sequence of stimuli generated by manipulatinginput functions of an accessory, a combination of actions in the Actionsection 130, an identification of a software application to be initiatedby the OS of the computing device 206, or any other recordable stimulusto initiate, control or manipulate software applications. For instance,a macro can represent a user entering the identity of a softwareapplication (e.g., instant messaging tool) to be initiated by the OSupon the AMS application detecting a speech command using speechrecognition technology.

A macro can also represent recordable speech delivered by a microphonesingly or in combination with a headset for detection by anothersoftware application through speech recognition or for delivery of therecorded speech to other parties. In yet another embodiment a macro canrepresent recordable navigation of an accessory such as a joystick ofthe gaming controller 115, recordable selections of buttons of thegaming controller 115, and so on. Macros can also be combinations of theabove illustrations with selected actions from the Actions 130 menu.Macros can be created from the GUI 101 by selecting a “Record Macro”button 148. The macro can be given a name and category in user-definedfields 140 and 142.

Upon selecting the Record Macro button 148, a macro can be generated byselection of input functions on an accessory (e.g., Ctrl A, speech,navigation knob movements of the gaming controller 115, etc.) and/or bymanual entry in field 144 (e.g., typing the name and location of asoftware application to be initiated by an OS, such as an instantmessaging application, keyboard entries such as Ctrl A, etc.). Once themacro is created, it can be tested by selecting button 150 which canrepeat the sequence specified in field 144. The clone button 152 can beselected to replicate the macro sequence if desired. Fields 152 can alsopresent timing characteristics of the stimulation sequence in the macrowith the ability to modify and thereby customize the timing of one ormore stimulations in the stimulation sequence. Once the macro has beenfully defined, selection of button 154 records the macro in step 520.The recording step can be combined with a step for adding the macro tothe associable items Actions column 130, thereby providing the user themeans to associate the macro with input functions of the accessories(e.g., one or more keys of the keyboard 108, buttons of the gamingcontroller 115, etc.).

In step 522, the AMS application can respond to drag and dropassociations of actions with input functions of the keyboard 108 or thegaming controller 115. Associations can also be made based on the two orthree dimensional movements of the gaming controller 115. If user inputindicates that a user is performing an association, the AMS applicationcan proceed to step 524 where it can determine if a profile has beenidentified in step 512 to record the association(s) detected. If aprofile has been identified, the associations are recorded/stored in theprofile in step 526. If a profile has not been identified in step 512,the AMS application can create a profile in step 528 for recording thedetected associations. In the same step, the user can name the newlycreated profile as desired. The newly created profile can also beassociated with one or more gaming software applications in step 530 forfuture reference. The AMS application can also record in a profile instep 526 associations based on gaming venue states. In this embodimentthe same stimuli generated by the gaming controller 115 can result indifferent substitutions based on the gaming venue state detected by theAMS application.

Referring back to step 526, once the associations have been recorded ina profile, the AMS application can determine in step 532 which of theaccessories shown illustratively in FIGS. 1-3 are programmable andavailable for programming. If the AMS application detects that anaccessory (e.g., keyboard 108, gaming controller 115) is communicativelycoupled to the computing device 206 and determines that the accessory iscapable of performing stimulus substitutions locally, the AMSapplication can proceed to step 534 of FIG. 5 where it submits theprofile and its contents for storage in the accessory (e.g., the gamingcontroller 115 in FIGS. 2-3). Once the accessory (e.g., the gamingcontroller 115) is programmed with the profile, the accessory canperform stimuli substitutions according to the associations recorded bythe AMS application in the profile. Alternatively, the AMS applicationcan store the profile in the computing device 206 of FIGS. 2-3 andperform substitutions of stimuli supplied by the gaming controller 115according to associations recorded in the profile by the AMSapplication.

The GUI 101 of FIG. 1 presented by the AMS application can have otherfunctions. For example, the GUI 101 can present a layout of theaccessory (button 122), how the accessory is illuminated whenassociations between input functions and actions are made (button 124),and configuration options for the accessory (button 126). The AMSapplication can adapt the GUI 101 to present more than one functionalGUI page. For instance, by selecting button 102, the AMS application canadapt the GUI 101 to present a means to create macros and associateactions to accessory input functions as depicted in FIG. 1. Selectingbutton 104 can cause the AMS application to adapt the GUI 101 to presentstatistics from stimulation information and/or gaming action resultscaptured by the AMS application as described in the subject disclosure.Selecting button 106 can also cause the AMS application to adapt the GUI101 to present promotional offers and software updates.

The steps of method 500 in whole or in part can be repeated until adesirable pattern is achieved of associations between stimulus signalsgenerated by accessories and substitute stimuli. It would be apparent toan artisan with ordinary skill in the art that there can be numerousother approaches to accomplish the embodiments described by method 500or variants thereof. These undisclosed approaches are contemplated bythe subject disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a method 600 for illustrating additional operations ofthe AMS application. In the configurations of FIGS. 2-3, the AMSapplication can be operating in whole or in part from the gamingcontroller 115, a gaming console 206, a computer 206, or a remote server(not shown). For illustration purposes, it is assumed the AMSapplication operates from the gaming console 206. Method 600 can beginwith the AMS application establishing communications in steps 602 and604 between the gaming console 206 and a gaming accessory such as thegaming controller 115, and a headset 114 such as shown in FIG. 1. Thesesteps can represent for example a user starting the AMS application fromthe gaming console 206 and/or the user inserting at a USB port of thegaming console 206 a connector of a USB cable tethered to the gamingcontroller 115, which invokes the AMS application. In step 606, thegaming controller 115 and/or headset 114 can in turn provide the AMSapplication one or more accessory ID's, or the user can provide by wayof a keyboard or the gaming controller 115 user identification. With theaccessory ID's, or user input the AMS application can identify in step608 a user account associated with the gaming controller 115 and/orheadset 114. In step 610, the AMS application can retrieve one or moreprofiles associated with the user account.

In step 612, the user can be presented by way of a display coupled tothe gaming console 206 profiles available to the user to choose from. Ifthe user makes a selection, the AMS application proceeds to step 614where it retrieves from the selected profiles the association(s) storedtherein. If a selection is not made, the AMS application can proceed tostep 616 where it can determine whether a software gaming application(e.g., video game) is operating from the gaming console 206 or whetherthe gaming console 206 is communicating with the software gamingapplication by way of a remote system communicatively coupled to thegaming console 206 (e.g., on-line gaming server(s) presenting, forexample, World of Warcraft™). If a gaming software application isdetected, the AMS application proceeds to step 617 where it retrieves aprofile that matches the gaming application detected and theassociation(s) contained in the profile. As noted earlier,association(s) can represent accessory stimulations, navigation, speech,the invocation of other software applications, macros or other suitableassociations that result in substitute stimulations. The accessorystimulations can be stimulations that are generated by the gamingcontroller 115, as well as stimulations from other accessories (e.g.,headset 114), or combinations thereof.

Once a profile and its contents have been retrieved in either of steps614 or step 617, the AMS application can proceed to step 719 of FIG. 7where it monitors for a change in a gaming venue state based on thepresentations made by the gaming application, or API messages suppliedby the gaming application. At the start of a game, for example, thegaming venue state can be determined immediately depending on the gamingoptions chosen by the gamer. The AMS application can determine thegaming venue state by tracking the gaming options chosen by a gamer,receiving an API instruction from the gaming application, or byperforming image processing on the video presentation generated by thegaming application. For example, the AMS application can detect that thegamer has directed an avatar to enter a tank. The AMS application canretrieve in step 719 associations for the gaming controller 115 forcontrolling the tank.

The AMS application can process movements of the gaming controller 115forwards, backwards, or sideways in two or three dimensions to controlthe tanks movement. Similarly, rotating the gaming controller 115 ortilting the gaming controller 115 forward can cause an accelerometer,gyro or magnetometer of the gaming controller 115 to providenavigational data to the AMS application which can be substituted withan action to cause the tank to turn and/or move forward. The profileretrieved by the AMS application can indicate that the greater theforward tilt of the gaming controller 115, the greater the speed of thetank should be moving forward. Similarly, a rear tilt can generatenavigation data that is substituted with a reverse motion and/ordeceleration of the forward motion to stop or slow down the tank. Athree dimensional lift of the mouse can cause the tank to steeraccording to the three dimensional navigation data provided by thegaming controller 115. For example, navigation data associated with acombination of a forward tilt and right bank of the gaming controller115 can be substituted by the AMS application to cause an increase inforward speed of the tank with a turn to the right determined by the AMSapplication according to a degree of banking of the gaming controller115 to the right. In the above embodiment, the three dimensionalnavigation data allows a gamer to control any directional vector of thetank including speed, direction, acceleration and deceleration. In anembodiment, the gaming controller is a mouse, and the user can invokethese functions by selecting the “Track mouse movement” box 146 in GUI101.

In another illustration, the AMS application can detect a new gamingvenue state as a result of the gamer directing the avatar to leave thetank and travel on foot. Once again the AMS application retrieves instep 719 associations related to the gaming venue state. In thisembodiment, selection of buttons of gaming controller 115 can beassociated by the AMS application with weaponry selection, firing,reloading and so on. The movement of the gaming controller 115 in two orthree dimensions can control the direction of the avatar and/orselection or use of weaponry. Once the gaming venue state is detected instep 719, the AMS application retrieves the associations related to thevenue state, and can perform substitutions of stimuli generated by thegaming controller 115, and/or speech commands received by microphone ofthe headset 114.

In one embodiment, the AMS application can be configured in step 719 toretrieve a profile that provides substitute stimuli for replacingcertain stimuli generated by accessories. The associations recorded inthe profile can be venue independent. In another embodiment, the AMSapplication can retrieve a combination of profiles, where one or moreprofiles provide substitute stimuli that are venue dependent and one ormore other profiles provide substitute stimuli that are venueindependent.

The AMS application can monitor in step 720 stimulations generated bythe accessories coupled to the gaming console 206. The stimulations canbe generated by the gamer by manipulating the gaming controller 115,and/or by generating speech commands detected by a microphone of theheadset 114. If a stimulation is detected at step 720, the AMSapplication can determine in step 722 whether to forward the detectedstimulation(s) to an Operating System (OS) of the gaming console 206 orthe gaming application directly without substitutions. Thisdetermination can be made by comparing the detected stimulation(s) tocorresponding associations in one or more profiles retrieved by the AMSapplication. If the detected stimulation(s) match the associations, thenthe AMS application proceeds to step 740 where it retrieves substitutestimulation(s) in the profile(s). In step 742, the AMS application cansubstitute the detected stimulation(s) with the substitute stimulationsin the profile(s).

In one embodiment, the AMS application can track in step 744 thesubstitute stimulations by updating the stimulations with a uniqueidentifier such as a globally unique identifier (GUID). In thisembodiment, the AMS application can also add a time stamp to eachsubstitute stimulation to track when the substitution was performed. Inanother embodiment, the AMS application can track each substitutestimulation according to its order of submission to the gamingapplication. For instance, sequence numbers can be generated for thesubstitute stimulations to track the order in which they were submittedto the gaming application. In this embodiment, the substitutestimulations do not need to be updated with sequence numbers oridentifiers so long as the order of gaming action results submitted bythe gaming application to the AMS application remain in the same orderas the substitute stimulations were originally submitted.

For example, if a first stimulation sent to the gaming application bythe AMS application is a command to shoot, and a second stimulation sentto the gaming application is a command to shoot again, then so long asthe gaming application provides a first a game action result for thefirst shot, followed by a game action result for the second shot, thenthe substitute stimulations will not require updating with sequencenumbers since the game action results are reported in the order that thestimulations were sent. If on the other hand, the game action resultscan be submitted out of order, then updating the stimulations withsequence numbers or another suitable identifier would be required toenable the AMS application to properly track and correlate stimulationsand corresponding gaming action results.

Referring back to step 722, if the detected stimulation(s) do not matchan association in the profile(s), then the AMS application proceeds toone of steps 744 or 746 in order to track the stimulations of theaccessory as described above. In another embodiment, tracking oforiginal stimulations or substitute stimulations can be bypassed byskipping steps 744 or 746.

Once the stimulations received in step 720 have been substituted withother stimulations at step 742 responsive to a detected association, ormaintained unchanged responsive to detecting no association withsubstitute stimuli, and (optionally) the AMS application has chosen aproper tracking methodology for correlating gaming action results withstimulations, the AMS application can proceed to step 748 or 734.

Once the AMS application at step 748 supplies to the OS of the computingdevice 206 a gaming action (i.e., one or more substitute or originalstimulations), the AMS application can proceed to step 734. The gamingaction supplied to the OS at step 748 can be an unadulterated “original”gaming action or an alternative gaming action. At step 734, the OSdetermines whether to invoke in step 736 a software applicationidentified in the stimulation(s) (e.g., gamer says “turn on team chat”,which invokes a chat application), whether to forward the receivedstimulation(s) to the gaming software application in step 738, or acombination thereof. Alternatively, the AMS application can bypass step748 and proceed to step 734 without invoking functions of the OS todetermine whether to invoke a software application at step 736 or supplythe gaming action (i.e., substitute or original stimulations) to thegaming software application in step 738, or a combination thereof. Inyet another embodiment, tracking can be bypassed whereby original orsubstitute stimulations are processed by the AMS application at step748, or step 734 without invoking functions of the OS at step 748 aspreviously described.

Contemporaneous to the embodiments described above, the AMS applicationcan monitor in step 750 for game action results supplied by the gamingapplication via API messages previously described. For instance, supposethe stimulation sent to the gaming application in step 738 is a commandto shoot a pistol. The gaming application can determine that the shotfired resulted in a miss of a target or a hit. The gaming applicationcan respond with a message which is submitted by way of the API to theAMS application that indicates the shot fired resulted in a miss or ahit. If IDs such as GUIDs were sent with each stimulation, the gamingapplication can submit game action results with their corresponding GUIDto enable the AMS application to correlate the gaming action resultswith stimulations having the same GUID.

For example, if the command to shoot included the ID “1234”, then thegame action result indicating a miss will include the ID “1234”,enabling the AMS application in step 752 to correlate the game actionresult to the stimulation having the same ID. If on other hand, theorder of game action results can be maintained consistent with the orderof the stimulations, then the AMS application can correlate in step 754stimulations with game action results by the order in which stimulationwere submitted and the order in which game action results are received.In step 756, the AMS application can catalogue stimulations and gameaction results. In another embodiment, the AMS application can beadapted to catalogue the stimulations in step 760. In this embodiment,step 760 can be performed as an alternative to steps 750 through 756. Inanother embodiment, step 760 can be performed in combination with steps750 through 756 in order to generate a catalogue of stimulations, and acatalogue for gaming action results correlated to the stimulations.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate embodiments of a system with a correspondingcommunication flow diagram for correlating stimulations and gamingaction results. In this illustration a user clicks the left button 119of the gaming controller 115. The gaming controller 115 can includefirmware (or circuitry), which creates an event as depicted by event 2in FIG. 8. The button depression and the event creation are depicted inFIG. 9 as steps 902 and 904. In step 904, the firmware of the gamingcontroller 115 can, for example, generate an event type “left button#3”, and a unique GUID with a time stamp which is submitted to the AMSapplication. Referring back to FIG. 8, the AMS application cataloguesevent 3, and if a substitute stimulation has been predefined, remaps theevent according to the substitution. The remapped event is thentransmitted to the gaming application at event 4. Event 3 of FIG. 8 isdepicted as step 906 in FIG. 9. In this illustration, the AMSapplication substitutes the left button #3 depression stimulus with a“keyboard ‘F’” depression which can be interpreted by the gamingapplication as a fire command. The AMS application in this illustrationcontinues to use the same GUID, but substitutes the time stamp foranother time stamp to identify when the substitution took place.

Referring back to event 4, the gaming application processes the eventand sends back at event 5 a game action result to the AMS applicationwhich is processed by the AMS application at event 6. The AMSapplication then submits the results to the accessory at event 7. Events4 and 5 are depicted as step 908 in FIG. 9. In this step, the gamingapplication processes “F” as an action to fire the gamer's gun, and thendetermines from the action the result from logistical gaming resultsgenerated by the gaming application. In the present illustration, theaction of firing resulted in a hit. The gaming application submits tothe AMS application the result type “Hit” with a new time stamp, whileutilizing the same GUID for tracking purposes. At step 910, the AMSapplication correlates the stimulation “left button #3” (and/or thesubstitute stimulation keyboard “F”) to the game result “Hit” andcatalogues them in memory. The AMS application then submits to theaccessory (e.g., gaming controller 115) in step 910 the game actionresults “Hit” with the same GUID, and a new time stamp indicating whenthe result was received. Upon receiving the message from the AMSapplication, the accessory in step 912 processes the “Hit” by assertinga red LED on the accessory (e.g., left button 119 illuminates in red orother LED of the gaming controller 115 illuminates in red) to indicate ahit. Other notification notices can be used such as another color forthe LED to indicate misses, a specific sound for a hit, or kill, avibration or other suitable technique for notifying the gamer of thegame action result.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments of the present disclosurecan be modified, reduced, or enhanced. For example, the AMS applicationcan be executed from a gaming accessory (such as a gaming controller 115or a mouse 110) or a computing device 206 to perform the embodimentsdescribed in the subject disclosure. The AMS application can also beoperated from a remote server (“cloud services”). In yet anotherembodiment, functions of the AMS application can be distributed betweendevices. In yet another embodiment, the AMS application can beconfigured to track the performance of a gamer and adapt a threshold asthe gamer improves or declines in performance.

For instance, as a gamer's performance improves with a particular gamingaction, the threshold associated with the gaming action can be adaptedto be less sensitive in detecting an over usage state. Similarly, thesensitivity of the threshold can be increased to promptly identify anover usage state of a gaming action if the gamer's performance declinesas a result of an over usage of the gaming action. Additionally, the AMSapplication can be adapted to add gaming actions to an exclusion tablewhen the gamer's performance substantially improves as a result of usingthe gaming action being excluded. The exclusion table can also bechanged by the AMS application by removing a gaming action from theexclusion table responsive to its excessive use causing a decline in agamer's performance.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

The subject disclosure further includes the embodiments described below,which may be combined in whole or in part with any other embodimentsdescribed herein.

In an embodiment, a gaming accessory can present a menu system ofoperating parameters to a user. The operating parameters of the gamingaccessory can be understood as settings for the accessory that can bechanged by the user to control a gaming application executing on acomputing device. As noted above, the gaming accessory can comprise agame controller 115, a mouse 110, or any of numerous other devices. Inthis embodiment, the gaming accessory can be represented as acommunication device 400 (which, as noted previously, can itself be acomputing device). The menu system can be presented by way of thedisplay 410. The menu system can present the user of the gamingaccessory a plurality of programmable options for selecting settings toconfigure the accessory. The operating parameters can include withoutlimitation:

-   (1) a movement count resolution parameter for navigating in a    graphical user interface (GUI) presented by a software application    such as an operating system, a video game, or otherwise. The    software application in the present context can be an AMS    application operating in a computing device or accessible to a    computing device that is communicatively coupled to the device 400;-   (2) a parameter to control line straightening when navigating in the    GUI;-   (3) a parameter to control jitter correction when navigating in the    GUI;-   (4) a parameter to control frequency of reports sent to the    computing device;-   (5) a parameter to control navigation acceleration in the GUI;-   (6) a parameter to select or store one or more profiles;-   (7) a parameter to control one or more presentation settings of the    display 410 such as brightness, contrast, etc.;-   (8) a parameter to select between a right-handed or left-handed    setting for a portion of the plurality of buttons (making the device    400 ambidextrous); and/or a parameter to control a speed setting for    scrolling in the GUI with the scroll wheel.

Other parameters suitable for configuring the gaming accessory arecontemplated by the present disclosure.

In the foregoing embodiments, the computing device can represent alaptop or desktop computer, a gaming console, or any other suitablecomputing device (e.g. device 206 of FIGS. 2-3) which can acceptinstructions from the gaming accessory (device 400). The movement countresolution parameter referred to above can define a movement countreported to the computing device. The move count can be used by thesoftware application to navigate in the GUI presented thereby as afunction of a unit of movement of the device 400 on a surface detectedby way of the tracking device 422. One form of a movement countresolution parameter can be a Count Per Inch (CPI) parameter.

In one embodiment the CPI parameter can be defined by a user with arange from 1 to 5001. A setting of 1 means that the device 400 reportsto the computing device a single movement count for each detectable inchthe device 400 moves across a surface such as a mouse pad. A singlemovement count can represent a movement across a fixed number of displaypixels. Accordingly the lower the CPI number, the higher the resolutionin navigating a GUI. On the other hand, as the CPI number is raised to ahigher setting more movement counts are reported to the computing deviceper inch of movement by the device 400—hence, a lower resolution fornavigating a GUI. Another form of a movement count resolution parametercan be a Dots Per Inch (DPI) parameter. Other parameters suitable fordefining a movement count resolution are contemplated by the presentdisclosure.

In an embodiment, UI device configurations for one or more of the UIdevices 404 can be provided to gamers or other users, includingproviding the configurations limited to the same gamer and/or exchangingconfigurations with other gamers. It should be understood that theexemplary embodiments described herein can be utilized in gamingenvironments and can also be utilized in non-gaming environment withsoftware applications being executed on behalf of other types of users.In another exemplary embodiment, the providing of configurations can beadjusted based on a number of configuration criteria including alocation of a gamer, a relationship of the gamer to other gamers, thetime of day, the environment of the gamer, and/or parental controlsplaced over providing the configurations. Each of these configurationcriteria can be utilized alone in providing the configurations and/oreach of these configuration criteria can be utilized in combination withother factors, such as the described criteria or other factors that havenot been described.

In another embodiment, the adjustment to the providing of UI deviceconfigurations can utilize one or more of these configuration criteriato select targeted UI device configurations from among a group of UIdevice configurations that are stored in a memory of the system, whichcan include a database accessible by a web server. For example, thegroup of UI device configurations can be provided to the system solelyby the gamer who is requesting configurations. In another example, thegroup of UI device configurations can be provided to the system by thegamer and/or by one or more other gamers, who may or may not beassociated with the gamer. Continuing with this example, in oneembodiment the group of UI device configurations that are stored inmemory can be generated solely based on input from gamers, althoughother factors can also be utilized.

The present disclosure also contemplates the group of UI deviceconfigurations, which are stored in memory, being based onconfigurations or other information provided by sources other thangamers. For instance, a developer of a game can provide one or more UIdevice configurations that it believes is optimal for its game. Inanother example, stored UI device configurations received from gamerscan be adjusted by the system to be more compatible with potentialconfiguration criteria, such as the time of day or environment in whichit is anticipated the game will be played. For instance, a UI deviceconfiguration can be received from a gamer, which results in depictionof violent graphics. This UI device configuration can then be adjustedto depict less violent graphics in accordance with the configurationcriteria of parental control, a gamer's age and so forth. The system canstore both the original UI device configuration and the adjusted UIdevice configuration (e.g., a different age-based version) so that theconfiguration criteria can be applied for selecting among the twopotential configurations. In another example, a UI device configurationcan be received from a gamer which includes a macro for audiblypresenting a message during a game, such as telling another player to“duck.” This UI device configuration can then be adjusted to lower thevolume of the message or add a graphical indicator to the message inaccordance with the configuration criteria of time of day orenvironmental lighting. The system can store both the original UI deviceconfiguration and the adjusted UI device configuration so that theconfiguration criteria can be applied for selecting among the twopotential configurations.

In one embodiment, targeted UI device configurations that have beenselected from among a group of UI device configurations that are storedin the memory of the system, can be presented to a requesting gamer forprovisioning his or her computing device. The gamer can then select fromamong the targeted UI device configurations to configure the computingdevice. In this embodiment, the system is able to filter UI deviceconfigurations based on one or more configuration criteria so that alist of UI device configuration from which the requesting gamer canchoose, are more suited for the requesting gamer's needs, including hisor her particular environment. In another embodiment, the system canapply the configuration criteria and operational parameters of the hostand/or peripheral device to determine a target UI device configurationand to transmit the provisioning information for the targetconfiguration based on the determination without the need for aselection by the user.

FIG. 10 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system1000. The communication system 1000 can comprise a portal 1002 operatingfrom one or more common web servers 1004. The portal 1002 can becommunicatively coupled to a plurality of computing devices 400representing any of the aforementioned embodiments of the computingdevice of FIG. 1. The computing devices 400 can exchange messages withthe portal 1002 by way of the communication network 1001 which canutilize common circuit-switching technology and/or packet-switchingtechnology to support communication sessions therebetween. Thecircuit-switching or packet-switching technologies can correspond tocommon wireline or wireless access technologies supportive of the accesstechnologies previously described for the computing device 400 of FIG.1, as well as combinations thereof.

The portal 1002 can support the exchange of UI device configurations asdescribed by method 1100 of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment of agraphical user interface illustrative of method 1100.

Method 1100 can begin with step 1102 in which users of computing devices400 subscribe to the portal 1002 to manage UI device configurations.Each user can access the portal 1002 by way of a common Internet browser(e.g., Mozilla Firefox™, Internet Explorer™, etc.). The subscriptionprocess can entail a policy in which each prospective subscriberprovides contact information (e.g., first and last name, email address,telephone number, etc.). Once a user becomes a subscriber, the portal1002 can assign the user a login name and a password defined by thesubscriber or the portal. The services of the portal 1002 can be free ofcharge, at a fee commensurate with the services provided, or inaccordance with specific promotions a combination of free services forsome subscribers and fee-based services for others.

In step 1104, the subscribers can upload to the portal one or more UIdevice configurations utilized by their computing device 400. In thepresent context, a UI device can correspond to any device that can serveas a user interface that presents and/or controls in part operations ofthe computing device 400. Common forms of UI devices can include withoutlimitation a keyboard 108, a navigation device 110, a display 112, or anaudio system 114 with any of the embodiments previously described forthe computing device 400 of FIG. 1. Method 1100 can also be applied toother forms of UI devices not described herein that at the present timeor in future generations of computing devices can serve as a userinterface.

UI device configurations can take on innumerable embodiments. Forexample, a keyboard configuration can correspond to one or morecharacter macros created by the subscriber uploading the configurationsto the portal. Macros can be useful for reducing time to enter asequence of characters, or can also be used to reassign keys of thekeyboard. For example, a subscriber may find it useful in certain gamingapplications to reassign keys (e.g., the number “9” reassigned to theletter “R”). Thus, when a particular game is running the selection ofthe “R” key produces a character output of “9” as if the “9” key hadbeen depressed. Similarly, the subscriber can create a macro in whichtwo or more keystrokes are generated from a single keystroke. Forexample, a macro can be created so that when the “F11” key is selected,a sequence of characters can be associated and generated with theselection of this key; for instance, selecting F11 can be designed toproduce the character string “Hello”. In addition to macros, thesubscriber can upload keyboard configurations managed by an operatingsystem (OS) of the computing device. OS-related keyboard configurationscan include without limitation a character repeat delay configuration, acharacter repeat rate configuration, a cursor blink rate configuration,a software driver for the keyboard, or combinations thereof.

A display configuration can correspond to color calibration settings ofthe display, sharpness settings of the display, refresh rate settings ofthe display, a desktop configuration, a window appearance configuration,a display resolution configuration, a configuration for a plurality ofmonitors that expand the desktop capacity of a computing device, atouch-sensitivity configuration for touch-sensitive displays, a softwaredriver for the display, or combinations thereof.

A navigation device configuration can correspond to one or morenavigation button configurations, a selection speed configuration forthe one or more navigation buttons, a selection lock configuration forthe one or more buttons, a pointer selection configuration, a pointerspeed configuration, a snap configuration for the pointer, a visibilityconfiguration for the pointer, a configuration for a rotationalmechanism of the navigation device, a navigation lift configuration forestablishing a bottom surface detection setting of an optical sensor (orsimilar surface sensor) of the navigation device, an accelerometerconfiguration, a software driver for the navigation device, orcombinations thereof.

An audio system configuration can correspond to a volume configuration,a balance configuration, an audio equalization configuration, a stereoconfiguration, a noise reduction configuration, a digital audio playbackconfiguration, an audio configuration for actions taken by thenavigation device, a configuration of a microphone of the audio system,a multi-dimensional audio settings (e.g., 3 or more dimensions such as a5.1 audio configuration, 7.1 audio configuration, and so on), a softwaredriver for the audio system, or combinations thereof.

From these illustrative embodiments of UI device configurations, asubscriber of the portal 1002 can submit to the portal any portion ofthe aforementioned configurations or other suitable UI deviceconfigurations for archiving purposes. The submission process can takeplace by way of a software application operating in the computing device400 which is capable of retrieving UI device configurations from anoperating system of the computing device or from another suitablestorage location in the computing device or remote to the computingdevice (e.g., an external local or remote hard drive, remote server,etc.). The software application can be managed by the subscriber (user)of the computing device 400.

In step 1106, subscribers can direct the portal 1002 by way of a browserof the computing device 400 to organize the UI device configurations.For instance, a portion of subscribers having an interest for gaming maydesire to organize their UI device configurations amongst a socialnetwork of gamers. Another portion of subscribers may want to create asocial network of friends and family Other subscribers may be lessdiscriminating and choose to share their UI device configurations withany subscriber of the portal 1002. Thus, any social and/ororganizational hierarchy can be created by the subscribers, and/or aservice provider of the portal 1002. The subscribers can alsoestablishing in step 1108 sharing limitations of the UI deviceconfigurations by limiting the community of subscribers that can accesstheir archived UI device configurations.

For example, some subscribers can define a buddy list for exchanging UIdevice configurations only with subscribers listed in the buddy list.Other subscribers can choose not to share their UI device configurationswith any subscribers. Such subscribers can choose to use the portal 1002for private purposes such as for ease of portability between computingdevices 400. For instance, if a subscriber changes computing devices400, said subscriber can access the portal 1002 by way of a commonbrowser and download a software application to the computing device 400to assist the subscriber in the transfer of the subscriber's UI deviceconfigurations to the new computing device. Before updating the UIdevice configurations of the new computing device 400, the softwareapplication can store preexisting settings in the event the subscriberwants to restore these setting at some point in time. This feature canbe useful in situations where the subscriber desires to transitionbetween computing devices 400 on a temporary basis (e.g., renting orborrowing a computing device). This restoration technique can also beapplied to subscribers that share UI device configurations.

Once the UI device configurations have been uploaded and organized withsharing limitations, the portal 1002 can monitor requests generated bycomputing devices 400 of subscribers requesting a presentation in step1112 of available UI device configurations, which can be downloaded andapplied to the UI devices of the requesting computing device in steps1116-1118 once a selection is detected in step 1114. Steps 1116-1118 canalso include a process or recording preexisting UI device configurationsbefore they are changed in the event the subscriber later desiresrestore them.

FIG. 12 depicts illustrative embodiments of GUI snapshots of portions ofsteps 1112-1118. In this illustration a first GUI presented by thecomputing device 400 of a subscriber depicts subscriber groupings whichcan be established by the subscriber in step 1106 and/or the serviceprovider of the portal 1002. In this illustration, the GUI showsgroupings for “Gamers”, “Friends”, “Family”, “Private”, and others whichcan be viewed by selecting “More”.

The Gamers GUI button can represent a social networking list ofsubscribers interested in gaming A Friends or Family GUI button canrepresent a limited set of subscribers sharing UI device configurationsthat have been selectively defined in step 1106 by a subscriber. ThePrivate GUI button can represent UI device configurations which thesubscriber of the portal 1002 does not share with other subscribers. Inillustration purposes only, it is assumed that the subscriber selectsthe Gamers GUI button (depicted by the bold font and thicker outline).Responsive to said selection, the portal 1002 presents a new GUI with aselection of Gamers. Each gamer can be identified by name or pseudo nameand can be assigned an average rating determined from an aggregation ofratings collected by the portal 1002 from subscribers associated withthe Gamers grouping. The more stars depicted next to a gamer, the highera rating of satisfaction by subscribers downloading the UI deviceconfigurations supplied by the gamer.

In this illustration, the subscriber selects Gamer X perhaps because ofa higher satisfaction rating than the other gamers, or because thesubscriber likes the particular gamer. This selection transitions to aGUI that lists video games which Gamer X has provided differing UIdevice configurations. Upon selecting the first video game, the portal1002 presents another GUI with a selection of UI device configurations.Each UI device can be listed separately so that the subscriber canselectively choose the UI devices of interest. In this example, thesubscriber chooses the navigation device and the audio systemconfigurations supplied by Gamer X for “Video Game 1”.

Upon selecting the OK GUI button, the portal 1002 begins to download thenavigation device and audio system configurations to the computingdevice 400 of the subscriber (depicted by the download progress GUI).Once the navigation device and audio system configurations have beensuccessfully downloaded, the subscriber has the option to apply theconfigurations or reject the update. When the OK button is selected thecomputing device 400 updates the UI devices per the downloadedconfigurations and begins operating said UI devices in accordance withthese configurations. The update process can be executed byconfiguration software operating in the computing device by way of itsoperating system or software downloaded from the portal 1002.

It would be apparent to an artisan of ordinary skill in the art that theGUIs depicted in FIG. 12 are illustrative and non-limiting. Said artisancan expect that any GUI arrangement can be used to effectuate steps1112-1118. Additionally, it would be apparent to said artisan that theorganization of subscribers, and the categorization of UI deviceconfigurations can be arranged in other ways while effectuating an endresult of updating UI device configurations of a computing device 400 byway of portal 1002.

Method 1100 can further include steps for rating the UI deviceconfigurations downloaded from the portal 1002. In step 1120, the portal1002 can for example, detect that a subscriber has invoked a process tosubmit a satisfaction rating using a software application supplied bythe portal 1002 and operating in the computing device 400 or by way of abrowser interface to the portal. The satisfaction rating can be a simpleGUI selection of zero to five stars, five stars being the highest levelof satisfaction, with half stars also selectable. Once the selection hasbeen made, the portal software operating in the computing device 400 orthe browser transmits to the portal 1002 the satisfaction rating in step1122, which the portal records in step 1124 according to the source ofthe UI device configuration, which in this illustration, is Gamer X. Theportal 1002 can use the supplied rating of this subscriber (and othersdownloading the same or similar UI device configurations of Gamer X) toupdate the satisfaction rating of Gamer X.

Whether or not a satisfaction rating is provided by the subscriber, thesubscriber can be presented by way of portal 1002 or portal softwareoperating locally in the computing device 400 an option in step 1126 torestore the preexisting UI device configurations. If a restorationoption is selected in step 1126, the computing device 400 can proceed tostep 1128 and restore UI device configurations existing before step1118.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 of providing UI device configurationsto one or more users. Method 1300 can be used in the context of videogames, but the present disclosure contemplates utilizing the deviceconfiguration for other application(s) executed by the computingdevice(s) 400. Method 1300 can begin with step 1302 in which UI deviceconfigurations are received. The configurations can be received at aremote server or servers, such as web servers 1550 shown in FIG. 15. TheUI device configurations can be configurations or settings for thecomputing device 400, peripheral devices connectable with the computingdevice, and so forth. The configurations can be received from varioussources, including a user for his or her own personal use, one or moreother users for use by others, including providing of selective accessto the use, and other entities, such as software developers thatgenerate configurations for video games or other software applications.In step 1304, the received UI device configurations can be stored in amemory that is accessible upon request, such as a database that can beaccessed by the web server 1550 to satisfy a request for UI deviceconfiguration selections.

In one embodiment in step 1306, the received UI device configurationscan be adjusted to generate different versions of the received UI deviceconfiguration. For example, different versions can be generated so as tobe compatible with different host and/or peripheral devices. Forinstance, a user may provide the web server 1550 with a UI deviceconfiguration that includes macros usable on an XBOX® controller with aparticular game. The web server 1550 can then generate a second versionof the UI device configuration that includes the same macros but thatare usable on a PlayStation® controller with the particular game. Thedifferent versions can also be generated based on a number of differentfactors, such as different versions of UI device configurations fordifferent games, where the configuration is translated to provide forthe same result across multiple different games (e.g., a sequence ofmoves by a game character that may require different inputs acrossdifferent games).

In another embodiment, the different versions can be generated toaccommodate, or otherwise be customized based on, conditions which maybe associated with a computing device 400 that later requests the UIdevice configuration. For example, versions of the UI deviceconfiguration can be generated in response to parental controls thatseek to reduce violent content. Web server 1550 may receive a first UIdevice configuration that can be used for presenting violent content.The web server 1550 can generate a second version of the UI deviceconfiguration that can be used to present a limited amount of theviolent content which is age appropriate. The web server 1550 cangenerate a third version of the UI device configuration that removes allof the violent content.

Other factors can also be utilized in generating different versions ofthe UI device configurations. For example, the location of a requestingdevice can be a factor for adjusting UI device configurations. Asanother example, the environment and/or time of day of a requestingdevice can also be a factor, such as whether the viewing area is darkwhich would require graphics that were brighter. Other graphics,including text, can be adjusted based on the location, such as changingthe language of text or the scenery based on the location of arequesting device. Based upon a number of these factors, the web server1550 can generate different versions of the UI device configurations tobe stored in memory in step 1304 in the event that a requestorassociated with the particular factors seeks a UI device configuration.The present disclosure also contemplates these versions being generatedafter receipt of the request, such as based on information (e.g.,configuration criteria) associated with the request.

In step 1308, a request for UI device configurations can be received atthe web server 1550 such as from computing device 400. In response tothe request, the web server 1550 can determine a group of UI deviceconfigurations chosen from among the stored UI device configurations instep 1310. It should be understood that the stored configurations canalso include configurations located at multiple storage devices,including storage devices of third parties. For example, a request canbe received for UI device configurations for playing a particular gameusing a particular computing device. The web server 1550 can search thememory that includes the stored UI device configurations and candetermine which, if any, of the stored configurations can be utilizedfor playing the particular game using the particular computing device.Operational parameters of the host device, peripheral device, displaydevice, network, game being played, and so forth can be among thefactors used to determine which, if any, stored configurations arecompatible for the request.

In step 1312, a determination can be made as to whether there is anyconfiguration criteria associated with the request. Configurationcriteria is one or more factors that can be used for filtering thedetermined group of UI device configurations to generate target UIdevice configurations that are customized to the user based on theconfiguration criteria. If there is no configuration criteria associatedwith the request then method 1300 proceeds to step 1314 and provides thegroup of UI device configurations for presentation in a GUI. The GUI canbe presented at the requesting computing device 400 and can be presentedin various formats. For instance, selectable options for the UI deviceconfigurations can be presented, which may or may not include additionalinformation, such as identifying a gamer that donated the configuration,identifying a satisfaction rating associated with the configurationand/or the gamer, identifying a history of selections by the requestorthat may be associated with one of the particular configurations, suchas whether the requestor has ever utilized other configurations donatedby the particular gamer, and so forth. Categories of configurations canbe generated by the web server 1550 and/or by the requestor, includingbased on the configuration criteria, social networks, friends, family,satisfaction ratings and so forth.

If, on the other hand, there is configuration criteria associated withthe request, then method 1300 can proceed to step 1316 to filter thedetermined group of UI device configurations in order to generate targetUI device configurations selected from among the group. In step 1318,the target UI device configurations can be provided to the computingdevice 400. The target UI device configurations can be presented in theGUI at the computing device 400 so that the requestor can then selectfrom amongst the target configurations. The target configurations arefiltered such that the requestor receives configurations that are bettersuited to the criteria associated with the requestor, such as therequestor's environment, parental controls, location, friends, family,time of day and so forth.

The configuration criteria can be received, or otherwise accessed, in anumber of different ways. For example, the requestor can includeinformation in the request that is utilized for the configurationcriteria, such as selecting criteria that can be utilized for thefiltering of step 1316, including a location of the requestor, the timeof day, the playing environment, temperature, humidity and so forth. Asexplained with respect to method 1100 and shown in system 1500 of FIG.15, the requestor can access the available UI device configurationsthrough use of the portal 1002. For instance, FIG. 14 illustrates anumber of GUI windows that can be presented by a computing device 400and used by a requestor when obtaining UI device configurations. One ormore of the GUI windows can include a selection of configurationcriteria, such as buttons 1450. The buttons 1450, or other selectiontechniques, can be utilized by the requestor to communicateconfiguration criteria to the web server 1550 or otherwise direct theweb server to apply criteria for use in the filtering process.

In one embodiment, the buttons 1450 can be categories of criteria thatare to be utilized by the web server 1550 in the filtering process,where the web server can obtain criteria data, such as through queryingthe requestor's computing device 400, based on the selected category ofthe criteria. For example, the requestor can select the “time” criteriacategory from the GUI window and the web server 1550 can query thecomputing device 400 for its local time. In another example, therequestor can select the “lighting” criteria category utilizing buttons1450 and the web server 1550 can obtain lighting data associated withthe requestor's computing device 400, such as accessing an imageobtained by a camera coupled with the computing device 400. The data orother information associated with the selected categories can beobtained with or without the interaction, intervention or assistance ofthe requestor. For instance, a selection of the “lighting” category fromthe GUI can result in an image camera of the computing device 400capturing an image automatically. The image can then be utilized fordetermining the lighting. In another embodiment, the requestor canprovide information through use of the GUI that is utilized alone orwith data automatically obtained by the web server 1550 from thecomputing device 400, such as allowing the requestor to input into theGUI whether the room is brightly lit and so forth.

In another embodiment, information associated with the request can beutilized to access configuration criteria, such as an identity of arequestor which is then utilized by the web server 1550 to determinethat parental controls are applicable to the requestor. In oneembodiment, additional information can be obtained that is utilized forselecting the applicable configuration criteria, such as accessing GPScoordinates associated with the computing device, or utilizing thedetermined location of the computing device to identify the temperature,humidity, time of day, and so forth. In another embodiment, userprofiles associated with the requestor can be utilized that provide forconfiguration criteria.

In step 1320, the web server 1550 can receive a selection of the UIdevice configurations that were presented in the GUI. Based on thereceived selection, the web server can provide provisioning informationto the computing device 400 so that the computing device can beconfigured with the selected UI device configuration.

In one embodiment shown generally in system 1500 of FIG. 15, web server1550 can be a plurality of web servers in a configuration cloud 1525.The cloud 1525 can provide computing devices 400 with UI deviceconfigurations such as over network 1001 through use of portal 1002.Cloud 1525 can operate by providing multilateral settings orconfigurations for various computing devices. For instance, a first webserver 1550 can provide a host device, such as a desk top computer or amobile phone, with first settings that are compatible with the hostdevice. A second web server 1550 can provide a peripheral device, whichis associated with the host device, with second settings (e.g., UIdevice configurations) that are compatible with the peripheral deviceand the host device to which the peripheral device is coupled. In thisexample, the peripheral device can include a processor for utilizing theUI device configurations as described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/509,509 filed on Jul. 27, 2009, entitled “Device for ManagingOperations of Accessories”, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference. The first and the second servers 1550 can bein communication with each other to coordinate the providing of thesettings. For example, the first and second servers 1550 can coordinatewith each other to determine the group of host device settings and thecompatible group of UI device configurations that are to be presentedfor selection to the requestor. After a selection is made, theprovisioning of the host device and the peripheral device can further becoordinated to facilitate delivery of the settings to the host andperipheral devices, including coordinating a communication session fordelivery.

In one embodiment, the configuration cloud 1525 can performconfiguration matching between various web servers 1550 to facilitatethe presentation of, and/or provisioning of, settings and UI deviceconfigurations for host and peripheral devices. In another embodiment,the web servers 1550 can be dedicated devices that are associated withdifferent devices and/or groups of devices. For instance, a first webserver 1550 can be dedicated to presenting and/or provisioning settingsassociated with XBOX® host devices while a second web server 1550 isdedicated to presenting and/or provisioning settings associated withPlayStation® host devices. In another embodiment, the web servers 1550can be dedicated based on the type of software being executed by thehost device, such as the operating system, and/or by the type ofperipheral device being utilized by the host device, such as joysticksor keyboards. In another embodiment, the presenting and/or provisioningof the settings and UI device configurations can be performed by aplurality of web servers 1550, which may or may not be performed inparallel, to facilitate the process. The web servers 1550 cancommunicate directly with each other to facilitate the provisioningprocess and/or can communicate indirectly with each other, such asthrough a central server or through other web servers.

In one embodiment, the presentation and/or provisioning of settings andUI device configurations can be based on peripheral devices coupled withthe host device. For example, web server 1550 can download firstsettings to a host device when it is detected or otherwise determinedthat the device, such as a mobile phone, does not have a peripheraldevice coupled thereto. Web server 1550 can download second settingsand/or UI device configurations when it is detected or otherwisedetermined that the mobile phone device has a peripheral device coupledthereto. In this example, the type of peripheral device coupled with themobile phone host device can be utilized as a factor in the selection ofthe second settings and/or UI device configurations from among a groupof available settings and/or UI device configurations.

In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, a gaming accessory canbe configured while it is offline—for example, when the gaming accessoryis not in communication with a host device and/or is not available tothe user. FIG. 16 schematically illustrates an arrangement 1600 forconfiguring an offline gaming accessory (in this example, represented bymouse 115). As shown in FIG. 16, gaming accessory 115 and gamingcomputing device 206 are disconnected from each other and from the cloud1625. User 1601 has access to computer 1610 for communicating with thecloud via a wireless connection 1605. (For example, computer 1610 mightbe at the user's work location while computing device 206 and gamingaccessory 115 are at the user's home location, where the home and worklocations are remote from each other.) In this embodiment, the AMSsoftware can be available from remote server 1650, so that user 1601 canaccess the AMS software in the cloud from computer 1610. The AMSsoftware may thus be viewed as a client of the remote server. In anembodiment, user 1601 downloads and installs the AMS software atcomputer 1610; in another embodiment, the user opens a virtual-machinesession so that all the configuration operations are performed in thecloud.

The user can then use the AMS software to generate settings 1640 toconfigure the gaming accessory 115. In an embodiment, a configurationmanager executing on server 1650 maintains a record of settings selectedwith the AMS software by the user. The settings 1640 are stored in thecloud 1625 so that they can be accessed at a later time from a differentcomputer. The stored settings need not be applied to a particulardevice; for example, the settings can be independent of the type or themodel of the accessory. In an embodiment, the settings 1640 can be usedto configure any of several different models or types of accessories.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an arrangement 1700 in which user 1601initiates an online gaming session. Gaming computing device 206communicates with the cloud 1625 via a wireless connection 1705, andacts as a host device for gaming accessory 115. The settings 1640 incloud storage can then be automatically loaded onto the gaming accessory115. In an embodiment, the configuration manager on server 1650 canevaluate time stamps associated with the settings 1640 and settingsstored locally at the computing device 206 or the gaming accessory 115,to ensure that the gaming accessory is loaded with the most recentsettings. In a case where a setting stored in the cloud and a locallystored setting correspond to the same operating parameter for a givengame, the setting with the latest time stamp is included in theconfiguration. In an embodiment, the gaming accessory 115 can have adifferent file of settings 1640 stored in the cloud for each game playedby the user, so that the accessory can be automatically loaded with adifferent configuration for each game. The user 1601 then can initiate anew game using host computing device 206 without needing to change anyaccessory settings when moving from one game to another.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing steps in a method 1800 for offlineconfiguration of a gaming accessory, in accordance with embodiments ofthe disclosure. In step 1802, the user accesses the AMS software from acomputing device remote from the accessory and the host device. The AMSsoftware can be stored on a remote server and accessed via the cloud.The user then selects settings (step 1804) for configuring the gamingaccessory. The gaming accessory is generally remote from the user andnot in communication with either the computing device of the user or thecloud. The selected settings, which comprise a configuration for thegaming accessory, are stored in the cloud (step 1806). In an embodiment,storage and management of the accessory configurations can be performedat a remote server, which can also be a server for the AMS software.

The user initiates a gaming session (step 1808) at a computing devicethat acts as the host device for the accessory. In general, thiscomputing device is remote from the computer used to select thesettings. The server then accesses settings for the accessory and forthe game that comprise a configuration of the gaming accessory for thatgame (step 1810). The configuration can be stored in the cloud, storedlocally (for example, at a storage component of computing device 206),or a combination of the two. The server determines which settings arethe most recent, to determine the newest configuration for the accessoryfor the game selected by the user (step 1812). In an embodiment, this isdone by evaluating time stamps associated with each of the settings.This ensures that the gaming accessory receives the newestconfiguration, independently of its storage location.

The gaming accessory is then provisioned with the newest configurationfor the selected game (step 1814). This configuration is also stored inthe cloud (step 1816) and may be stored locally at the host computingdevice and/or the accessory.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates an arrangement 1900 for configuring agaming accessory (in this example, represented by mouse 1915), where theconfiguring is performed before the accessory is delivered to the user.As shown in FIG. 19, user 1901 is remote from accessory 1915; in anembodiment, user 1901 can configure the accessory before the accessoryis manufactured. User 1901 has access to computer 1910 for communicatingwith the cloud 1925 via a wireless connection 1905. In an embodiment,user 1901 purchases accessory 1915 via an e-commerce service accessiblethrough the cloud 1925, and configures the accessory at the time ofpurchase. In this embodiment, the AMS software is available from remoteserver 1950, so that user 1901 can access the AMS software in the cloudfrom computer 1910. In an embodiment, user 1901 downloads and installsthe AMS software at computer 1910; in another embodiment, the user opensa virtual-machine session so that all the configuration operations areperformed in the cloud.

The user can then use the AMS software to generate settings 1940 toconfigure the gaming accessory 1915. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19,user 1901 chooses settings for the new accessory 1915 by accessing theAMS software at computer 1910. At this point, the accessory 1915 is notyet in the user's possession, and the computer 1910 may or may not bethe device typically used for a gaming session. The user 1901 may choosesettings for the accessory in a variety of ways. In an embodiment, theuser 1901 is presented with a simulator at the computer 1910, and canutilize the simulator in order to choose suitable settings. In anembodiment, a configuration manager executing on server 1950 maintains arecord of settings selected with the AMS software by the user. Thesettings 1940 are stored in the cloud 1925.

FIG. 20 schematically illustrates the experience of user 1901 uponreceiving delivery of accessory 1915 (sometimes called the user's“unboxing experience”). In an embodiment, the accessory 1915 can includea memory that has been pre-programmed with settings 1940. The accessory1915 can be communicatively coupled to computing device 206 by way of awireless or tethered interface. Note that computing device 206 canrepresent a gaming console, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, orany other suitable computing device. Additionally, accessory 1915 can bea mouse (as shown), a gaming controller 115 such as shown in FIG. 1, orany other suitable accessory. Accordingly, the accessory 115 andcomputing device 206 shown in FIG. 20 are for illustration purposes onlyand are therefore non-limiting to the subject disclosure. With this inmind, the AMS software can be downloaded to the computing device 206 ifit has not been previously downloaded thereto. Upon communicativelycoupling the accessory 1915 to the computing device 206, the AMSsoftware can communicate with cloud 1925 over an internet connection tocompare one or more timestamps associated with settings stored in thepre-programmed memory of the accessory 1915 to one or more timestampsstored in the cloud 1925 for settings 1940. From the comparison oftimestamps and/or other comparative factors (such as the settingsthemselves), the AMS software (or a server in cloud 1925) can determinethat the settings stored in the pre-programmed memory are in factsynchronized to settings 1940 stored in the cloud 1925. The accessory1915 is thus ready to be used immediately with gaming computing device206 without user input from user 1901. The foregoing process forverifying that the accessory 1915 has settings synchronized with thecloud 1925 can be performed promptly without user input therebyproviding user 1901 a satisfying unboxing experience.

In an embodiment where a memory of the accessory 1915 is notpre-programmed with settings 1940 stored in the cloud 1925 (and/oraccessory 1915 is programmed with factory default settings), the AMSsoftware can configured to detect that settings stored in thepre-programmed memory are not synchronized to settings 1940 stored inthe cloud 1925 utilizing the process of comparing timestamps and/orother parametric data as previously described. Upon detecting that thesettings of the accessory 1915 are not synchronized, the AMS softwarecan be configured to download settings 1940 from the cloud 1925 andprogram such settings in the memory of the accessory 1915. As before,this process can be performed promptly without user input therebyproviding user 1901 a satisfying unboxing experience. In either of theforegoing embodiments, the user can initiate an online gaming session inwhich device 206 communicates (via wireless connection 2005) with otherusers' devices over the internet. In this embodiment, the user 1901 canuse accessory 1915 without having to enter or change any settings at theaccessory 1915.

It is further noted that accessory 1915 can be used for games locallyexecuted by the computing device 206 that do not require an internetconnection. In such instances, user 1901 can make changes to settingslocally stored in the memory of accessory 1915. User 1901 can create aprofile that is specifically associated with a local game. When aninternet connection is made available to the AMS software, the AMSsoftware can compare the new profile and corresponding settings to otherprofiles stored in the cloud 1925. Upon detecting that the new profileis not stored in the cloud 1925, the AMS software can be directed toupload the new settings to cloud 1925. The foregoing embodimentsillustrate that synchronization can take place from the accessory 1915to the cloud 1925 or from the cloud 1925 to the accessory 1915 dependingon which of the accessory 1915 or the cloud 1925 has the more currentsettings. It is also noted that user 1901 may own or otherwise haveaccess to multiple accessories 1915. When the user 1901 switches to adifferent accessory that has not been programmed with settings currentlystored in cloud 1925, the AMS software will detect a lack ofsynchronization with settings stored in the different accessory andeither upload settings from the different accessory to the cloud 1925(if the settings in the different accessory have not been previouslystored in the cloud 1925), download settings from the cloud 1925 to thedifferent accessory (if the accessory is missing settings that have beenadded to the cloud 1925), or both if there are new settings in both thedifferent accessory and the cloud 1925.

It is further noted that user 1901 may have several accessories athis/her disposal that may belong to user 1902 or that may be borrowedfrom other users. A computing device, such as reference 206, executingan AMS software application can enable user 1901 to synchronize anyaccessory 1915 utilized by user 1901 with settings stored in the cloud1925 under an account of the user 1901. The AMS software application,for example, can present user 1901 a login screen to log into his/heraccount in cloud 1925 to gain access to settings 1940 belonging to user1901. Accordingly, user 1901 can utilize any accessory 1915 with anycomputing device 206, whether it belongs to user 1901 or to anotheruser, and program the accessory 1915 with settings particular to user1901 by synchronizing settings in the accessory 1915 to the cloud 1925.In a multiuser environment, several users can log into their respectiveaccounts in cloud 1925 via the AMS software to download settings totheir respective accessories and thereby to engage in a gaming sessionwith personalized settings. Accordingly, the embodiments described abovecan be adapted to enable users to share accessories 1915 and/orcomputing devices 206 (and/or bring their own accessory), and extractsettings from the cloud 1925 to personalize the accessory to each user'spreference. The foregoing embodiments can be utilized at any locationand with any accessory and/or computing device.

It is also noted that the settings of an accessory 1915 can be stored inwhole at the accessory 1915 and obtained and used by a processor of theaccessory 1915 locally, or can be stored in part in a memory of theaccessory 1915 and in part utilized for configuring an operating systemof the computing device 206. It may also be noted that the AMS softwarecan be executed in whole by the computing device 206 as previouslydescribed, or can be executed in part by the accessory 1915 and in partby the computing device 206, or can be executed in whole or in part byan on-line gaming system, or can be executed in whole or in part by thecloud 1925, or can be executed or can be executed in whole by theaccessory 1915. The embodiments of the subject disclosure can be adaptedwith any of the foregoing storage configurations for accessory settingsand/or any of the foregoing execution configurations of the AMSsoftware. It is further noted that cloud 1925 can represent one or moreservers coupled to one or more storage devices that are remotelyaccessible by way of the internet or other communication networks.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing steps in a method 2100 for offlineconfiguration of a gaming accessory, in accordance with embodiments ofthe disclosure. In step 2102, the user makes an online purchase of agaming accessory at a local computing device. The user then accesses theAMS software (step 2104) to configure the accessory; in an embodiment,this is done as part of the purchasing process. The AMS software can bestored on a remote server and accessed via the cloud. The user thenselects settings (step 2106) for configuring the gaming accessory. Thegaming accessory is generally not available to the user at this point;in an embodiment, the accessory has not yet been manufactured. Theselected settings, which comprise a configuration for the gamingaccessory, are stored in the cloud (step 2108). In an embodiment,storage and management of the accessory configurations can be performedat a remote server, which can also be a server for the AMS software.

The accessory is provisioned with the selected settings that have beenstored in the cloud (step 2110). The accessory is then delivered to theuser (step 2112). The user can initiate a game (step 2114) withouthaving to enter or change any settings of the accessory.

FIG. 22 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 2200 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as an accessory, computing device or combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., usinga network 2226) to other machines. In a networked deployment, themachine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machinein a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 2200 may include a processor (or controller) 2202(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 2204 and a static memory 2206, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 2208. The computer system 2200 mayfurther include a display unit 2210 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 2200may include an input device 2212 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 2214 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 2216, a signal generationdevice 2218 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 2220. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units2210 controlled by two or more computer systems 2200. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 2210, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 2210.

The disk drive unit 2216 may include a tangible computer-readablestorage medium 2222 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions(e.g., software 2224) embodying any one or more of the methods orfunctions described herein, including those methods illustrated above.The instructions 2224 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 2204, the static memory 2206, and/or within theprocessor 2202 during execution thereof by the computer system 2200. Themain memory 2204 and the processor 2202 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. It is furthernoted that a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a statemachine or other suitable device for executing instructions to performoperations or methods may perform such operations directly or indirectlyby way of one or more intermediate devices directed by the computingdevice.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 2222 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 2200.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodimentsshown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,can be used in the subject disclosure. In one or more embodiments,features that are positively recited can also be excluded from theembodiment with or without replacement by another component or step. Thesteps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes ormethods can be performed in any order. The steps or functions describedwith respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performedalone or in combination with other steps or functions (from otherembodiments or from other steps that have not been described).

It will be appreciated that fewer than all of the steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can also beperformed in one or more of the exemplary embodiments. Further, the useof numerical terms to describe a device, component, step or function,such as first, second, third, and so forth, is not intended to describean order or function unless expressly stated so. The use of the termsfirst, second, third and so forth, is generally to distinguish betweendevices, components, steps or functions unless expressly statedotherwise. Additionally, one or more devices or components describedwith respect to the exemplary embodiments can facilitate one or morefunctions, where the facilitating (e.g., facilitating access orfacilitating establishing a connection) can include less than every stepneeded to perform the function or can include all of the steps needed toperform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: storing, by a systemincluding a server comprising a processing system including a processer,first configuration information for a peripheral device, wherein thefirst configuration information includes first time data associated withthe peripheral device when the first configuration information wasgenerated, wherein the first configuration information is from a firstcomputing device, wherein the first configuration information is storedby the system in a memory accessible to the system, and wherein thememory is remote from the first computing device; determining, by thesystem, synchronized configuration information, wherein the determiningthe synchronized configuration information is performed responsive to asecond computing device detecting the peripheral device, wherein thedetermining the synchronized configuration information is according to acomparison of the first time data of the first configuration informationwith second time data of second configuration information stored in thememory, wherein the second configuration information is associated withthe peripheral device, wherein the second time data is associated withthe peripheral device when the second configuration information wasgenerated, and wherein the determining of the synchronized configurationinformation is according to a more recently generated one of the firstconfiguration information or the second configuration information; andproviding, by the system, provisioning information to the secondcomputing device, wherein the provisioning information is based upon thesynchronized configuration information and the provisioning informationenables configuration of the peripheral device according to thesynchronized configuration information.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising receiving, by the system, the first configurationinformation, wherein the first configuration information is received bythe system over a network from the first computing device, and whereinthe synchronized configuration information identifies which one of thefirst configuration information or the second configuration informationwas more recently generated.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theproviding, by the system, the provisioning information to the secondcomputing device comprises providing the provisioning information to thesecond computing device via a network.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising receiving, by the system, a configuration request, whereinthe configuration request is received from the second computing deviceresponsive to the second computing device detecting the peripheraldevice.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the determining thesynchronized configuration information being performed responsive to thesecond computing device detecting the peripheral device comprisesdetermining the synchronized configuration information being performedresponsive to the receiving of the configuration request.
 6. The methodof claim 1, wherein the first configuration information for theperipheral device was generated by the first computing device when thefirst computing device was not in communication with the system.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein the first configuration information wasgenerated according to user input at the first computing device, andwherein the user input comprises selections associated with operationalparameters for the peripheral device.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first time data and the second time data comprise respectivetimestamps, and wherein the storing of the first configurationinformation in the memory is associated with an account of a user of thefirst computing device.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstconfiguration information or the second configuration information isgenerated in association with a purchase of the peripheral device.
 10. Anon-transitory, computer-readable storage medium comprising computerinstructions which, responsive to being executed by a processing systemincluding a processor, facilitate performance of operations, theoperations comprising: storing configuration information from userequipment in a memory accessible to the system, wherein theconfiguration information is for a peripheral device, wherein during areceipt by the system of the configuration information the peripheraldevice is not connected with and is not in communication with the userequipment, wherein the configuration information had been generatedaccording to user input at the user equipment, wherein the user inputcomprises selections associated with operational parameters for theperipheral device, and wherein the memory is remote from the userequipment; and providing provisioning information to the user equipment,wherein the providing is responsive to the user equipment detecting theperipheral device, wherein the provisioning information is associatedwith the configuration information and wherein the provisioninginformation enables configuration of the peripheral device with theoperational parameters.
 11. The computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 10, wherein the operations further comprise receiving theconfiguration information, and wherein the configuration information isreceived over a network from the user equipment.
 12. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein the user equipmentcomprises a first computing device and a second computing device thatare remote from each other and are associated with a user, wherein thereceiving of the configuration information over the network is from thefirst computing device, wherein the detecting of the peripheral deviceis by the second computing device, and wherein the providing of theprovisioning information is to the second computing device.
 13. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein the receiving ofthe configuration information is in association with a purchase of theperipheral device via the user equipment.
 14. The computer-readablestorage medium of claim 10, wherein the providing the provisioninginformation to the user equipment comprises providing the provisioninginformation to the user equipment via a network.
 15. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the operationsfurther comprise receiving from the user equipment a configurationrequest, wherein the configuration request is received from the userequipment responsive to the user equipment detecting the peripheraldevice, and wherein the providing the provisioning information to theuser equipment responsive to the user equipment detecting the peripheraldevice comprises providing the provisioning information to the userequipment responsive to the configuration request.
 16. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the operationsfurther comprise providing to the user equipment, over a network, agraphical user interface for presentation by the user equipment, whereinthe selections associated with the operational parameters for theperipheral device comprise selections of options presented by thegraphical user interface in an Internet browser of the user equipment.17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein thegraphical user interface presents a simulation of the operationalparameters for the peripheral device for the options and wherein theperipheral device is a gaming accessory.
 18. A peripheral devicecomprising: a memory that stores instructions; and a processing systemincluding a processor coupled with the memory, wherein the processingsystem, responsive to executing the instructions, facilitatesperformance of operations, the operations comprising: establishing acommunication link with user equipment via a hardwire link, a wirelesslink, or a combination thereof; and providing via the communication linkan actuation signal to the user equipment, wherein the providing isresponsive to an actuation of the peripheral device by a user, whereinan operational parameter associated with the actuation signal isprovisioned for the peripheral device according to provisioninginformation received by the user equipment over a network from a server,wherein the provisioning information is received by the user equipmentresponsive to a configuration request being provided by the userequipment over the network to the server, wherein the provisioninginformation is determined by the server according to configurationinformation stored at a memory that is remote relative to the userequipment, wherein the configuration information had been provided bythe user equipment over the network to the server while the peripheraldevice was not connected with and was not in communication with the userequipment, wherein the configuration information had been generatedaccording to user input at the user equipment, and wherein the userinput comprises selections associated with a plurality of operationalparameters for the peripheral device.
 19. The peripheral device of claim18, wherein the operations further comprise detecting the actuation ofthe peripheral device by the user, wherein the providing the actuationsignal to the user equipment is responsive to the detecting.
 20. Theperipheral device of claim 18, wherein the user equipment comprises afirst computing device and a second computing device that are remotefrom each other and that are associated with the user, wherein theconfiguration information is provided over the network to the serverfrom the first computing device, wherein the establishing of thecommunication link is with the second computing device, and wherein theproviding of the actuation signal is to the second computing device.